This year, the 10th Annual Youth Leadership Conference (YLC) will be held in person at the Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre in Thunder Bay. The conference will take place on Tuesday, August 11th to Thursday, August 13th. Youth will also have the opportunity to expand their leadership experience by staying for the Métis Nation of Ontario Annual General Assembly (AGA), taking place from August 13th to 16th.
The 2026 conference, Building Our Nation: Métis Youth and Self-Governance, is centered on the theme of self-government as we continue our journey toward Métis self-government and the development of our Constitution. Through workshops and land-based learning, participants will explore the power of storytelling in shaping Métis identity, governance, and community, while deepening their understanding of what self-government means for present and future generations.
By bringing together Métis youth from across our communities, we aim to create a space for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and celebration. Recognizing that our stories are the foundation for building a strong, self-governing Nation.
The following application is for verified MNO citizens between the ages of 16–29.
Youth under the age of 18 will require an adult chaperone.
Application approvals will consider regional representation, past event attendance/invitations, and attendance at the AGA to support balanced participation and engagement. Applicants will be contacted by the YLC Team regarding the status of their application by end of June.
The deadline to apply is Friday, June 19.
For any assistance with your application, please reach out to youthconference@metisnation.org